This week’s post on Union Bay Watch has to do with a Great Egret and especially the actions of Great Blue Herons. These particular birds were spotted in Vancouver, Wa while visiting family, none the less their behavior seems to show how all life on earth is closely related. See the photos at:
Breaking News | Rare Bird on Union Bay
Sometimes the obvious choice is wrong. Find out how, what appeared to be a relatively common bird, turns out to be not so common after all. Visit Union Bay Watch.
In Search of Elegance
Does this bird remind you of anything? It always makes me think of a toy boat. Find out why, and also why this bird is very challenging to photograph, on Union Bay Watch.
Snipe Hunting
How is your eye sight? Do you think you could qualify as a sniper? You can find out on Union Bay Watch where you will be challenged to find the snipe in the haystack. Well…actually its a photo from Union Bay, near Foster Island, and not really a haystack, but it is just as challenging. Check it out here!
From the WSDOT Peninsula
Two weeks ago I heard that construction on the WSDOT peninsula would begin soon, and it made me wonder how the folks who are living there would be treated. The next morning I sent the following email to: SR520Bridge@wsdot.wa.gov
WABN Project Staff,
- They have been given adequate notice?
- Will they be offered an alternative location?
- Will they be offered transportation to move their camps ? (I can see one camp has an outdoor BBQ and I doubt they have a means to move it as the only vehicle I have seen in use is a bicycle.)
Dear Larry,
Thank you for contacting the SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program in regard to homeless encampments in and around the WSDOT construction staging area for the West Approach Bridge North Project (WABN). It is WSDOT’s intent to promote and support the health and safety of everyone affected by our work, including those whose camps will be displaced by our construction.
Our contractor is required to adhere to WSDOT guidelines that support the humane and respectful consideration of illegal campers and their personal items. Please see below for additional information about how WSDOT and our contractor are addressing homeless encampments within the WSDOT right of way.
- Have individuals been given adequate notice?
- WSDOT worked with the contractor and the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct Community Police Team to develop a plan for removal of encampments, site cleanup and preservation, and to proactively notify campers.
- During the week of Sept. 22, the contractor posted “no trespassing” signs at 13 locations along the staging area that was recently established within WSDOT right of way. The signs – written in both Spanish and English – notified campers where their personal belongings would be stored. The contractor will retain personal items in an onsite container for up to 70 days after removal.
- At the same time, the contractor also mailed a notification letter to 39 homeless advocacy groups to inform advocates that on Sept. 29 the contractor would begin to remove homeless encampments located within the project boundaries.
- Will individuals be offered an alternative location? Will they be offered transportation to move their camps?
- The purpose of notifying homeless advocacy groups is to give appropriate organizations the opportunity to support campers with finding alternative locations and transportation as needed.
WSDOT will continue to work with the contractor, the Seattle Police Department and homeless advocacy groups as we move forward with construction activities. WSDOT will monitor areas on a daily basis to preserve site security and the safety of those who are affected by our project.
Thank you also for your note regarding your knowledge of the Union Bay birds. We appreciate your offer and will keep you in mind as a resource as we move forward with the project.
Please let me know if you have any follow up questions.
Sincerely,
Kristin Sandstrom
SR 520 Bridge Replacement and HOV Program
Washington State Department of Transportation
999 3rd Avenue, Suite 900 | Seattle, WA 98104
In the Eyes of a Hobbit | Union Bay Watch
Why would someone call a crow a hobbit? They clearly do not have hairy feet or make their homes underground. They don’t appear to spend time with wizards, elves or dwarves. Still there must be some reason…Find out more at: Union Bay Watch
Striking Speed | Union Bay Watch
Have you ever wondered how long it takes a Heron to capture its prey and remove it from the water? Have you been missing the sight of the 520 eagles, Eva and Albert? Hopefully they have been enjoying their annual vacation. Would you like to participate in Eagle Watch 2014 and see if you can be the first to spot the eagles when they return to Union Bay? Read more on Union Bay Watch!
Summer of the Sapsucker
This week’s post features Sapsuckers seen on Whidbey Island. Have you ever seen any in our neighborhood? (I am still looking.) Can you tell the difference between a juvenile and a mature Sapsucker? If you would like to learn more take a look at this week’s post on Union Bay Watch.
The Mystery of Great Expectations
This week’s post on Union Bay Watch has a couple of wildlife, birding mysteries. You might also learn how to tell a young Great Blue Heron from those with a bit more experience. To see the photos and learn more visit Union Bay Watch.
A Honeysuckle Summer
As the rain washes the sun away you may want to take a moment more to enjoy summer. This week’s post on Union Bay Watch includes a couple of birds that may be new to you. Plus an interesting review of a native plant that attracts hummingbirds and appears to have been used, in times past, to cure just about every ailment under the sun. Learn more at: Union Bay Watch.